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Author Interview with Michelle Kidwell

Get to know Michelle…

I have had seven books published over the past eight years, the first two collections of poetry, the third With a Little Help was a collaboration with Karen Vidra and Karla Dorman which was published in 2006, followed by A Sister’s Justice: Marishka Tanya Alexei Mystery published in 2009, Deception Beneath: A Marishka Tanya Alexei Mystery book two published in 2009, Buried Truths: A Marishka Tanya Alexei Myster book three published in 2010, and Shadows from Our Past A Marishka Tanya Alexei Mystery book four published in 2011. I have always had a passion for the written word, but did not get my first book published until I was in my twenties.

Let the conversation begin!

Describe your writing journey, from aspiring writer to published author.

I began writing when I was fourteen in 1991-92, I know I am aging myself here, but I had a wonderful English Teacher my Freshmen year who encouraged me, and in 2003 I had my first book of poetry published. I have a total of seven books out at the moment, and am working on publishing more.

What piece of advice would you give the younger you?

I would say to a younger me to persevere, the journey may not always be easy, but it is well worth it.

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like?

Aparty with CountryMusic, probably line dancing.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

I have a wonderful mentor in Sister Ruth, but I would say Lorena Mccourtney has also been a mentor because she encouraged me in my early days as an author.

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

Grab my Kindle and read a good book, or do a little writing.

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

I’m a Survivor Reba, 3:42 A.M MercyMe, Circle of Friends, Point of Grace.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Hmm…probably Jo from Little women, because she is a strong Character, or Ziva From NCIS because she kicks behind, or Daphne from Switched at Birth because she is a strong young adult character!

Hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Said goodbye to my friend who was called home to the Lord in 2007.

The best part of waking up is?

Days spent with family and friends, enjoying life, a lot of wonderful things.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Helen Keller because she was such an amazing women!

What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?

A Grandma dress, ugly shade of Navy with ugly lace.

What story does your family always tell about you?

I was coming home from Fairfield, my Dad was in the airforce at time, I was like two and I had a total fit because I couldn’t take a C-5 Galaxy home never mind that the thing would have covered my entire town.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Read a lot, write a lot, do not be afraid to rewrite, have passion about what you are writing, believe in the subject matter because it will reflect in your writing.

Ever written a book that never got published? Think you’ll give it a second chance?

Yes, a young adult book entitled Four Words to Freedom, and yes I would love to, but I would need to do some rewrites first.

When was the last time you were nervous?

Ever had something happen that you thought was bad, but it turned out to be for the best? Yes I recently ended a friendship it hurt at first, but I feel so much better for doing it now.

What mischief did you get into growing up?

Typical stuff. Not really a lot though. I was kind of the good kid!

What do you miss most about being a kid?

The innocence.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? Why?

That’s a hard one, because each age is a gift. I like where I am at now though…I know I would not want to live through the awkward teenage years again.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write about something you care about.

What would you like your life to look like in ten years?

A house in the country, more books, a husband, three children.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity?

Going for walks on beautiful days.

If you could do anything and get away with it, what would you do?

Go to Verona andsee where my ancestors came from, and go to Israel to walk where Jesus walked.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?

By my family and closest friends a house, and give to a respectable charity.